Clifford-Lee calls Rush Garda Station to be reopened

23rd March 2017

Fianna Fáil Senator and Seanad Spokesperson for Justice has called on the Minister for Justice to review and seriously consider the re-opening of Rush Garda station as one of six to be included as part of a pilot scheme.

The Fingal based Senator raised the need to re-open Rush Garda Station directly with the Minister during Commencement Matters in the Seanad earlier this week.

“Rush is a large and growing urban area with a surrounding rural hinterland. It is among the fastest-growing areas within the fastest growing constituency and county in Ireland. Not having a Garda station is very difficult for a community of 10,000 odd people,” explained the Senator.

“When Rush Garda station was closed in 2012, we were reassured that a 24-hour service would be provided in the nearby Lusk Garda station. Sadly, this has never occurred and in fact, the hours in Lusk Garda station have since been reduced.

“As a consequence, crime has become a real concern, and a visible presence is needed to deter would be criminals, and ensure that isolated communities across the North County feel safe.

“We have witnessed distressing incidents of drug and gangland related crime in Dublin North over recent months. These crimes have brought fear among our community and a clear message must be sent by Government that this brutality will not be tolerated. There would be no clearer message than the re-opening of our local Garda station” added Senator Clifford-Lee.

“As confirmed by the Tánaiste earlier this month, the report on Garda stations is expected to be completed in May. I urge the Minster to strongly consider Rush for inclusion in the pilot scheme to reopen six Garda stations.

“Fianna Fáil fought for improved Garda numbers and resources during its negotiations with Fine Gael, to make a real difference to our community. I will continue to pursue measures to tackle crime and protect every community,”

Hey Micheal Martin, whats this rubbish about you defending 180 Garda statements that didn't hold up in Court.. What strokes you trying to pulling in saving this broken institutions face.
A) Disband it, its too steeped in civil war politics.
B) Establish a new force with a separate investigative wing.
C) As the Police are a seperate institution to politics then make the new Commissioner an electable position to ensure public confidence instead of 'political' confidence (other countries do it)